From 1915 to 1931, the Rocky Point beach and grove along the Connecticut River approaching Easthampton was operated by James Collopy, James “Paddy” Kane and Charles Berry. Each seemed to enhance the property’s facilities and experiences. Michael J. O’Hare, the fourth lessee of the property, is the subject of today’s installment.
Michael J. O’Hare was born in Holyoke on May 17, 1890. When he was in his mid-20s, he worked at the Fisk Tire Plant in Chicopee as a tiremaker. He resided with his parents at 46 Chestnut Street in 1915. In 1920, Mr. O’Hare began what turned out to be a lifelong career as a meter reader with the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department.
In 1923 and through the early 1930s, he and his family spent several weeks each summer at Camp Catherine at Mt. Tom Junction.
In 1932, Mr. O’Hare leased what now would be called O’Hare’s Grove from the Boston & Maine Railroad, which owned the 80-plus-acre parcel, including Wayside Beach. The Great Depression was ongoing, and many residents stayed local for entertainment and relaxation.
There were many events, picnics and other get-togethers held during the 10 years Mr. O’Hare operated the grove. Companies, unions, social clubs, and non-profits gathered for festivities including swimming, dining, sporting events and dances. The Holyoke and Chicopee city governments met for pleasure and a competitive baseball game in 1933.
The Holyoke Elks held their 30th annual clambake at the grove in July 1934, with 300 people in attendance. Two months later, in September, the 55th annual convention of the Massachusetts State Firemen’s Association drew nearly 1,000 delegates and guests to the grove. The participants were treated to a turkey dinner in the afternoon, which concluded their 3-day convention.
In 1936, a tennis tournament was held at O’Hare’s Grove, and two years later, a wrestling program was organized. The grove continued to welcome those renting its facilities for their clambakes, corn roasts and other meetings.
In 1938, a hurricane struck, affecting many along the river. The camps located at O’Hare’s Grove were visible by their rooftops and chimneys. Many evacuated their homes in the area, retreating to higher ground.
In 1941, Michael O’Hare offered the Holyoke Fish and Skeet Club the use of a portion of the property for skeet shooting. This was the grove’s final season operated by Mr. O’Hare, who added Polish nights twice each week and horseback riding to the list of available activities.
Mr. O’Hare had the longest-running and most successful business operations at this location. As the years passed, the name O’Hare’s Grove continued to be used when referring to the grove.
A major Holyoke employer was next in line to operate the grove, intending to use it privately for the enjoyment of its employees and their families. The final chapter is forthcoming.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): Price & Lee Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories
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